Should I/would you apply for a job without meeting all the criteria?

[JuanSheetIsPlenty]

It’s an admin asst. post. I have more than enough required experience but not the required OCR/EDCL qualification. I was thinking of applying and then doing the course online if I get as far as being called for interview. Or will my CV just be tossed in the bin straight off due to not having it?

What does it matter if they do just chuck it in the bin?! You’ve not lost anything and they certainly won’t consider you if you don’t apply. I say do it!

Apply and make it clear that you have the experience and capabilities of the relevant qualification, and you are happy to sit it if required.

Good luck.

Yes apply. I've applied for jobs in the past that have asked for certain qualifications that I haven't had but I've had the relevant admin/secretarial experience and I've been offered interviews. It really depends I think on what applicants they have I suspect.

What does it matter if they do just chuck it in the bin?!

Because if people think it would be a definite no I wouldn’t waste time applying but it sounds like it’s worth a shot. Thanks everyone.

Men are way more likely to apply for jobs when they do not meet all criteria. Women tend to put themselves down and talk themselves out of it. Go for it. You have nothing to lose.

It's well-known that men often apply for jobs when they don't meet the criteria and women feel the need to fully meet all the criteria before even thinking about applying.

Definitely apply, and if the qualification is required rather than desirable for the role, I'd address this in your cover letter.

Yep, do it. Recruiters often put necessary requirements for qualifications in. Happens all the time at my work and then they wonder why they aren't getting any decent experienced candidates

Do it!

Yes apply. I would
Never apply for my current job reading the job spec. Most employers really sex up the job role when advertising.

Could you specify how proficient you are at using Microsoft word, excel etc without referring specifically to the ECDL qualification?

Do it.. I got my current job even though I didn’t meet the criteria fully. I outlined the skills and qualifications I did have already and how I could transfer them into the role. I also made it clear that I would commit to undertake training that would allow me to meet the criteria.

Sometimes if you don’t ask you don’t get.. good luck

Thank you everyone. I will apply- aqua good idea! Will do that.

Absolutely yes! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Apply if you have experience equivalent to the exam. Then do the exam if you want to. I think you get better at applying for jobs so it's never a waste of time to apply.

Depends on whether it's public sector or private. If public sector and it's an essential qualification you've virtually no chance. If private, then go for it!

Apply. I used to not apply for jobs that required a degree. However, I soon realized that experience trumps qualification (obvs not if it's something that requires medical knowledge for example) but generally speaking employers like experience. Just make you can demonstrate your skills and how they can be transferred to this job.

Very few people tick every single box.

Not everything on a list is top priority for an employer.

If you think you could do the job, apply for it.

Of course! I've done admin roles to senior level without having that qualification